Lammy dismisses Streeting’s call for UK to rejoin EU as ‘sixth form’ debating position – UK politics live

In his pooled interview, Keir Starmer also insisted that he still plans to fight the next election.

Christopher Hope from GB News said that, in an interview published eight days ago, Starmer said he wanted to fight the next election and serve a full second term. He asked Starmer if that was still the case.

double quotation mark I do want to fight the next election.

Obviously, I recognise that after the local election results, the elections in Wales and Scotland as well, that the first task is obviously turning things around and making sure that my focus is in the right place.

The last 10 days, there’s been a lot of activity which hasn’t been as focused in my view as it should have been, and I remind myself every day that I was elected to office to serve the people, to serve the country, that’s what I believe in, and that’s what I’ll be getting on with.

Asked he would fight a leadership contest if another Labour MP gets enough support to mount a challenge, Starmer replied:

double quotation mark Well, we’re not at that position.

But I’ve said, I don’t know how many times, that I’m not going to walk away.

I feel very strongly that I must serve the people who voted me into office.

Do I recognise that we’ve got to turn things around over after those election results? Yes, of course I do. And obviously a lot of people in the Labour party have been talking about what has to happen next. I recognise that.

But it is really important, for me at least, to remind myself, why am I in politics …

My job is to serve, and to carry out that responsibility. And that’s what I’ll do.

Asked if he would set out a timetable for standing down, if Andy Burnham does win the byelection, Starmer replied:

double quotation mark No, I’m not going to do that.

But Starmer also said it was a very important byelection, and that he would be backing the Labour candidate 100%, whoever they are.